DR Congo Africa Cup of Nations profile – best players, odds and predictions and history in competition
The Leopards will be hoping to pounce on a third title despite missing injured star player Yannick Bolasie
YANNICK BOLASIE and Benik Afobe's absence will hurt DR Congo in Gabon.
Bournemouth star Afobe has withdrawn from the squad in order to focus on the Premier League campaign.
Everton star Bolasie suffered knee ligament damage in the Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Formerly the Zaire national team, DR Congo have won the Africa Cup of Nations twice and made it to the semi-finals two times.
The Leopards came third in the tournament last time out, after losing 3-1 to eventual champions Ivory Coast in their semi-final.
Who are DR Congo’s best players?
Chancel Mbemba, defender, Newcastle
Mbemba’s mother is a former basketball player who also represented DR Congo.
The powerful 22-year-old joined Newcastle from Anderlecht in summer 2015.
He played in the Champions League and won the Belgian Pro League play-offs twice with Anderlecht.
Gabriel Zakuani, defender, Northampton
The Cobblers defender, 30, began his career at Leyton Orient before spells at Stoke and Peterborough.
He joined newly promoted Northampton in League One in the summer.
He made his DR Congo debut in 2005 and was a key part of the squad that managed a third-place finish at the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Neeskens Kebano, midfielder, Fulham
Kebano started out at PSG where he came through the youth ranks. He then had spells at Belgian clubs Charleroi and Genk.
He represented France up to Under-20 level before switching to DR Congo.
He is named after Dutch legend Johan Neeskens.
Who is in DR Congo's provisional Africa Cup of nations squad?
Goalkeepers: Nicaise Mulopo Kudimbana (Royal Antwerp, Belgium), Ley Matampi (TP Mazembe), Joel Kiassumbua (FC Wohlen, Switzerland)
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba (Newcastle, England), Gabriel Zakuani (Northampton Town, England), Issama Mpeko (Kabuscorp, Angola), Joyce Lomalisa (Vita Club), Vital N’Simba (Bourg-Peronnas, France), Fabrice N’Sakala (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Chris Luyindama and Merveille Bope (TP Mazembe), Jordan Ikoko (Guingamp, France), Marcel Tisserand (Ingolstadt, Germany)
Midfielders: Youssouf Mulumbu (Norwich, England), Neeskens Kebano (Fulham, England), Remy Mulumba (Ajaccio, France), Herve Kage (Kortrijk, Belgium), Jacques Maghoma (Birmingham City, England), Paul-Jose M’Poku (Panathinaikos, Greece), Jonathan Bijimine (Cordoba, Spain), Wilson Kamavuaka (Panetolikos, Greece)
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Villarreal, Spain), Dieumerci Mbokani (Hull City, England), Benik Afobe (Bournemouth, England), Firmin Mubele Ndombe (Vita Club), Junior Kabananga (Astana, Kazakhstan), Jordan Botaka (Charlton Athletic, England), Meschack Elia and Jonathan Bolingi (TP Mazembe), Ricky Tulengi (DCMP), Jeremy Bokila (Al-Kharitiyath, Qatar)
How did DR Congo qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?
The Leopards topped their qualification group ahead of Central African Republic, Angola and Madagascar.
They fired in 16 goals in 6 matches, ending with a 4-1 victory over Central African Republic.
They were drawn in Group C for the finals, with Ivory Coast, Morocco and Togo.
Who is the manager of DR Congo?
Florent Ibenge is the manager of DR Congo.
The 55-year-old had a spell coaching in the Chinese Super League at Shanghai Shenhua.
He combines his role as national team coach with managing Congolese team Vita Club.
What is DR Congo’s history in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Dr Congo are two-times champions, having won the tournament in 1968 and 1974.
They got through to the semis last time, before being knocked out by eventual champions Ivory Coast. They won the third-place play-off, beating Equatorial Guinea on penalties.
What are DR Congo’s odds at the Africa Cup of Nations?
DR Congo are 20-1 to win the tournament according to Sun Bets (get the ).
They face reigning champions Ivory Coast in Group C.
Without star player Yannick Bolasie they could struggle to advance to the knockouts.
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